English Grammar Questions Long
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that states that the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb in terms of number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. However, when it comes to indefinite pronouns, which refer to nonspecific people or things, subject-verb agreement can become a bit more complex.
When using indefinite pronouns, it is important to consider whether they are singular or plural in order to determine the appropriate verb form. Let's take a look at some examples to better understand this concept:
1. Singular indefinite pronouns:
- Everyone wants to succeed in life. (Everyone is singular, so the verb "wants" is also singular.)
- Somebody has left their bag on the table. (Somebody is singular, but the pronoun "their" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to "his" or "her.")
2. Plural indefinite pronouns:
- Many have already expressed their opinions. (Many is plural, so the verb "have" is also plural.)
- Both of them are going to the party. (Both is plural, so the verb "are" is also plural.)
3. Indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural, depending on the context:
- Each of the students has completed their assignment. (Each is singular, but the pronoun "their" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to "his" or "her.")
- Some of the cake has been eaten. (Some is plural, but the verb "has" is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun "cake.")
4. Indefinite pronouns that are always singular:
- Nobody wants to be left behind. (Nobody is singular, so the verb "wants" is also singular.)
- Each student must bring their own supplies. (Each is singular, but the pronoun "their" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to "his" or "her.")
It is important to note that there are some indefinite pronouns, such as "all," "any," "more," and "most," that can be either singular or plural depending on the context of the sentence. In such cases, it is crucial to analyze the noun or pronoun that follows the indefinite pronoun to determine the appropriate verb form.
In summary, subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns in English grammar requires careful consideration of whether the pronoun is singular, plural, or can be both. By understanding the number of the indefinite pronoun, we can ensure that the verb agrees with it correctly.